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As clerkship season ramps up, one law student who has been through the process shares key insights to help others navigate this unfamiliar and often daunting journey – from crafting a standout CV to understanding how to make a lasting impression.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, Jessica Trinh, a fourth-year law and medical science student at UTS and current paralegal, shared her advice for law students preparing to apply for clerkships, offering practical tips on how to stand out and succeed throughout the competitive process.
One key piece of advice Trinh has picked up from speaking with legal professionals is the importance of beginning the clerkship journey with thorough research into the firms you’re considering applying to.
“From the networking events I’ve been to, all the pre-penultimate programs that these firms offer, they’ve really homed in on researching about the firm. So, making sure that the firm, you know, sits with your values or resonates with your values and your passions,” she said.
“Or even research the different areas that they are quite prevalent in, or they operate in, which may interest you. So that’s one of the things that would be a good starting point if you wanted to see what clerkship or firm you’d want to apply to?”
Trinh emphasised the importance of thorough research, noting that it plays a crucial role in helping candidates tailor their applications to align with a firm’s values and to stand out from a competitive pool of applicants.
“It’s really important, especially once it comes to the interviewing stage or even from the beginning when you’re crafting your cover letter. The firms really want a tailored cover letter and application, and they reiterate this constantly throughout the process at these events, while networking and similar activities,” she said.
“The research is 100 per cent really important to making sure that your application not only is tailored to the firm but also you stand out as well, which, at the end of the day, is probably what everyone wants with these firms.”
When it comes to formatting a cover letter, Trinh emphasised the importance of tailoring it to align with what the firm is seeking while also showcasing your personality to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
“It’s a way to differentiate yourself, essentially, from all the other applicants that may be applying. It’s a way to also showcase your personality and try to align your skills with what the firm you are applying for is looking for,” she said.
“That’s what they always emphasise as well, because not only do they not want a generic cover letter, they want to see who you are.”
While the cover letter reveals who you are, Trinh explained that the CV demonstrates what you’ve accomplished and is just as important, as it often forms the firm’s first impression of you.
“It’s just a concise document showcasing all your education experience and any qualifications you have, and it really serves as a first impression to the firm, and it also plays a crucial role in helping you stand out from a competitive pool of candidates,” she said.
Many students worry that their lack of legal experience will hinder their chances of impressing a firm or deter them from applying.
However, Trinh encouraged students not to overlook the value of non-legal roles and the transferable skills gained from diverse work experiences.
“Do not discount yourself because any transferable skills that you have learned from these non-legal experiences can be transferred into a clerkship or another legal experience. So it’s really important to also write down all the skills that you’ve attained because it may be more important than you think,” she said.
“If you had a customer service role, it would show communication, and you know, conflict resolution, or if you are part of team sports or any projects that show, you know, teamwork and dedication, or roles with responsibilities such as tutoring, retail or mentoring in a capacity like that would demonstrate reliability.”
For students entering or currently navigating the intense clerkship application season, Trinh encouraged them not to be discouraged by the competition, highlighting how rewarding the experience can be.
“It’s an incredibly competitive and rigorous process, but I don’t think that should deter you from applying. It can be a really immensely rewarding experience, and it could be the perfect stepping stone if you wish to pursue a career in commercial law,” she said.
“It can open doors to a plethora of career opportunities and a chance to broaden and expand your legal network.”
